US stocks edged higher on Tuesday after weak consumer confidence figures, with investors saying the data bolsters expectations the Fed will pump more money into the economy, which would support equities. The S&P 500 has risen 9 percent so far in September, making it one of the best months for the index in 20 years.
The Dow Jones industrial average gained 38.49 points, or 0.36 percent, to 10,850.53. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index rose 3.21 points, or 0.28 percent, to 1,145.36. The Nasdaq Composite Index edged up 3.17 points, or 0.13 percent, to 2,372.95. Walgreen Co, the biggest US drugstore chain, reported higher-than-expected quarterly earnings, helped by strong prescription drug sales. Its shares jumped 11.2 percent to $33.76.